Just Getting Started

While we can't wait for the years to come when Santa really makes a visit and Hayden really gets into the swing of Christmas, it's also very nice that nearly all of his gifts are hanging out on our loveseat and he has no idea. David and I just started shopping for him this evening. I think we snagged all of his big items, but we still have stocking stuffers and smaller knick-knacks to purchase. We're really focusing on manipulatives and books; I read to him the other night and he just got still. I'm glad he enjoys reading and being read to. There are a few things we especially want to find, like a Santa plate (so we can leave out cookies and carrots/reindeer food Christmas Eve) and a Polar Express book. David wants to read him Polar Express and the Christmas story every year, so we're working on establishing those traditions now. I've told my parents that if anyone (like the aunts/uncles/ grandparents) asks about clothes, we would prefer gift cards rather than actual clothes. I know people understand Hayden is a big boy, but at the same time, I don't think they really grasp how difficult it is to clothe the boy! Even his 12 mo. onesies barely snap because they're too short! And we can no longer do "footie-pjs" because they're basically too short no matter the size, it seems. But I digress.

I have to start shopping for David. I have some ideas, but my husband doesn't know what he wants Santa to bring him so he's no help! And normally, he guesses every year what I've gotten him. It never fails, he reads my mind. Thanks to Hayden, all of the immediate family members we would shop for are taken care of.

Upcoming events: We have a family Christmas picture to take, a first visit to Santa to make, and lots of goodies to bake! Merry Christmas, all!

The Joys of Mommy-hood

Sigh. I love motherhood. I do. But tonight I was fortunate enough to experience one of the downsides of motherhood: baby constipation. Yep. You heard me. So guess what I got to do? If you're thinking it involves a "pill" and a place where the "sun don't shine," you'd be correct! Fun times. Bless his heart; Hayden was just screaming and shaking because it hurt so badly to go. It's been like this for a day or so; I wanted to see if it would resolve itself, but no such luck. We've tried prunes, prune juice, cutting out rice cereal and bananas, and anything else that we can find! Hopefully, we're on the downhill slide!

Recent Pictures

7

Happy 7 Month Birthday, Hayden!

6 Month Pictures

Enjoy!!

Random Thoughts...

Hayden can completely put himself to sleep, and usually, it's with very minimal, if any, fussing. This is WONDERFUL. He may not, however, stay asleep all night, but it's improving.

Today we went to Mobile for our nephew Devin's birthday party. On our way home, we passed another birthday party taking place...at CHECKER'S. No lie.

I am joining a gym soon. I'm tired of feeling ugly and still being stuck in my maternity pants. Boo for hating what you see in the mirror.

I have a fantastic husband. It's the little things I observe in other couples somedays that make me extra thankful I married David. I've always known he was perfect for me, but there are just those moments that make me even more aware how special he truly is.

My house is a disaster. I can't stand it, but it's not getting thoroughly cleaned until we're off for Thanksgiving; guess I can wait another week to deep clean.

My Sunday School class and I are planning to do Christmas for one of my students. I can't really share his circumstances, but I can't stand it. I can't stand students not having what they need, especially a decent, warm meal. If Christmas came and went and there wasn't a gift under any tree for me, I would survive and be completely okay. I have everything I need, but I can't say the same for a good number of my students.

We have an adorable son; his laugh is infectious. He can sit up for minutes now; he can't go from lying down to sitting up just yet, but he sure does try!

I want to go see a movie; I can't remember the last time David and I went to see a movie.

I also think we're putting up our Christmas decorations this week; we would have done it tonight, but we got home later than hoped for. David asks about every other day when we're putting everything up. What a change from times past!

I told you this was filled with random thoughts. Sometimes I just need to put them down somewhere.

I want to bake. But then I'll eat it. That's a no-win.

Good-bye.

6 Month Stats

Quick stats update:

Weight: 24 1/4 lbs.

Height: 30.5 in.

Both in the 95th percentile and still completely in proportion. YES!

Hayden's right on target with motor and sensory skills, rolling over, holding head up, etc. Dr. Bristol was very pleased.

He did great with his shots; new nurse gave them and she was a little slower, so he really felt them. Got cool blue camoflauge bandaids again and a new mini rubber ducky at the end, which dried his tears instantly. That was pretty funny. Forget mom comforting him; the duck did it!

I Forget

With all the worrying and stressing I do about finances, I tend to forget how blessed my little family is. I'm sure that sounds so cliche, but true, nonetheless.

Today I heard about the homelife of a student and I honestly, truly teared up. My son goes to bed every night with a full belly. Even if I don't want what is in my pantry, I have food. I'm not even close to doing without. But I have students who are--daily. School is their only escape, and for many, the only place they get to eat. Awful.

It's not just food they deal with either: drugs, abuse, etc. I know it happens, but I see more cases of this type of thing than last year. It breaks my heart. Why do people reproduce if they're not going to properly care for their children? Guess that's an age-old question, and one that's not likely to change anytime soon. Oh, it breaks my heart. If I had $15 bucks in my pocket and nothing else, and both Hayden and I needed food, I'd go hungry in a heartbeat. No question. He's more important. Always will be.

I want the safest environment possible for me, David, and Hayden (and whatever future children we have). Whatever it takes to accomplish that I'll do. I wish more parents were willing to do the same.

On a positive note, for all the bad this post has been about, I do have those few parents who go above and beyond, so sorry to be uber-negative. It's just trend to focus on the bad more than the good. I need to do something to reward those classes/students who deserve to be rewarded. Those students don't get praised often enough.

I am...

EXHAUSTED. There's no other word. Between workshops, trainings, a baby who won't sleep through the night, teaching, church activities, a funeral, and just life, I'm tired. And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I can't get ahead in anything; shoot, I haven't done stuff (paperwork) that needed to be done 2 months ago! There is so much I want to do and update around my house, but I either don't have the energy or the time to get it completed. Hayden has started throwing little temper tantrums, testing his boundaries. Do you know how much fun it is to discipline a 6 month old and then have him ignore you? He knows what's going on, I'll give him that. Smart little booger.

Okay, well, I still have stuff to do before our babysitter arrives and I leave for work and more meetings. I rather enjoy today's meetings, though. Only 3 weeks until Thanksgiving break; teachers haven't had a break (for us, anyway) since Labor Day. We're very much in need of one!